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To the editor:
In late November 1998, following the death of my beloved cat, Eve, I went looking for another cat to adopt. I ended up on Highland Avenue in Salem, at the Northeast Animal Shelter, I think.
This is where I found Blackie, a 1-year-old, black, male cat whom I fell instantly in love with. On his cage was a sign that said, "I'm a sweet boy."
He had been there for one day. His mom had to give him up because her husband wanted the cat out of the house. They told me that she was heartbroken.
Thus began a long and loving relationship between Blackie and me and my husband. We renamed him Scud, because he would rocket around the house like a missile.
He was my treasured playmate, always happy to play a game of tag or hide-and-seek with me.
Twelve years later we have just lost Scud to cancer. We now live in Florida and are deeply mourning this loss.
If you read this, Blackie's mom, or if you know his mom, I hope you will contact me at emmasann@earthlink.net so I can personally thank you for giving me the opportunity to live with and love this wonderful cat.
Ann Ruggiero
Fort Myers, Fla.
